Everest Base Camp Trekking for Seniors

Overview

Everest Base Camp at leisure:Trekking to Everest Base Camp can be a stiff challenge for anyone, no matter what age but we realize that as the years go by, actually achieving the goal can become more of a challenge for older people. This trek is designed for people who are generally older or perhaps have a minor disability, but nevertheless would like to share in “The Everest Base Camp Experience” in a more leisurely way. The itinerary below has been extended by five days, to allow more time on the trail, compared to our normal E.B.C. itinerary.

The Everest Base Camp trek takes you right into the heart of the great Himalayas and its hardy people, with awe-inspiring views of many of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains. Couple this with some truly fascinating Sherpa villages, along with some of the world’s highest Buddhist monasteries and the highest peaks on Earth, it is no wonder it is described as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.
It has taken millions of years and unimaginably powerful forces to create this mountain range, the Himalayas are literally the result of what happens when two continents collide. It changed the global climate system at the time and still shapes the global climate around it today.
The journey starts with an unforgettable flight from Kathmandu to the mountain airstrip at Lukla in the lap of the Himalayas. The trail takes you through Sherpa villages, past cultivated fields we follow the Dudh Kosi and climb up to Namche Bazaar.Once above the tree-line the scenery is stark but in some ways more spectacular. The monastery at Thyangboche is a photographer’s paradise, set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Everest and other huge snow-capped peaks, it stands peacefully serene.The vivid colours of Thyangboche only add to a sense of something almost sureal in this area. With plenty of time for acclimatisation en route we journey on to our goal Everest Base Camp, on the Khumbu Glacier.Once there you realise that the hard work and effort was nothing compared to the rewards gained from being amongst the highest mountains on earth.

A. Itinerary in Detail (23 Days)

Day 02: Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation
Most of the day is spent visiting the important historical and cultural sights of Kathmandu / late afternoon trek preparationDay 03: Kathmandu – Lukla (40 min flight) – Phakding (2610m); 2-3 hour trek
After an early morning flight to Lukla (2,840m). / trek starts / pass Chaurikharka village and make a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,492m) / the trail follows the bank of the Dudhkosi River until Phakding (2,610m) overnight.Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar(3440m): 4-5 hour trekking
Namche is the most prosperous and the largest town in the Khumbu Valley / a bazaar is held here every Saturday / meat, grains and vegetables, tennis shoes and trinkets hand woven aprons and Tibetan boots / Thamserku (6648m), Kwangde Ri (6187m) and Khumbila (5707m) surround the natural bowl that Namche rests in / halfway up the hill / a gap in the trees allows us to see Everest for the first time.Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Rest day
We take the day to acclimatise / off to allow our bodies to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere / side treks possible / or just relax around Namche.Day 06: Namche – Thame (3820m): 4-5 hours
Today we head to Thame / marvellous view of Kwangde Ri and the waterfalls that cascade off its flanks / The trail stays high up on the bank of the Bhote Khose / a yellow and white Rhododendron forest that comes into full bloom in early May / cross the river / good views down the valley / of Thamserku and Kusum Kangru (6369m) / before ascending through more Rhododendron forests to pasture lands in front of Thame. This village is the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay / the Sherpa who made the first ascent of Everest with Hillary in 1953 / The hour-long climb to the cliff side monastery is well worth the effort / from this point, trekkers can skirt above the village to climb across the ridge in order to view the route to the Nangpa La, a pass to Tibet frequently used by the Sherpas and their yaks during the monsoon / overnightDay 07: Thame – Khumjung (3,780m): 5-6 hours
We return back down the valley via Thamo, a hillside sanctuary, and then take a high trail that bypasses Namche and finally drops into Khumjung / this village is one of the most beautiful in Khumbu / The Himalayan Trust has a school here / as well as a medical post (for locals and trekkers) in nearby KhundeDay 08: Khumjung-Tengboche(3860m): 4-5 hour
The trail this morning descends to the Dudh Khosi(river) / There are spectacular views of Ama Dablam (6696m) and Kantega (6779m) Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8501m). We cross the river at Phunki Thanga and climb through the afternoon amongst Rhododendron forest to the saddle at the top of the hill / right in front of us is Tengboche / the principal monastery of the Khumbu area / the views from here are unforgettable.Day 09 : Tengboche – Rest/acclimatisation day.
This is another catch-up day for our bodies / Nearby ridges offer the opportunity for a half-day hike to get close-up views of Ama Dablam / the monks usually give conducted tours around the monastery.Day 10: Tengboche-Dingboche (4410m): 4-5 hours
There’s a slight descent early today through lush forest / before a gradual climb up to the valleys highest year round settlement of Pangboche (3,860m) / continue ascending in the afternoon / through alpine meadows and yak herds / eventually reaching Dingboche.Day 11 : Dingboche: Rest Day
There are one of two hikes from here / you may choose / the shorter option ascends the hill immediately behind Dingboche / to drop steeply down to Periche. The Himalayan Rescue Association operates a medical post here and the western doctors conduct excellent seminars on Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) here most afternoons. The longer option is to trek up the Imja Tse valley towards Island Peak. The views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Cho Polu from here are outstanding. After a few hours the trekker terminus of Chukung is reached, and after a rest we return down the valley.Day 12 : Dingboche-Lobuche(4910m): 5-6 hour
Today is a climb to Duglha (4,620m) / from here there are stunning views of Tawachee and Cholatse (6440m) / the trail goes up to the Khumbu Glacier for an hour then left into the memorial area before reaching the village of Lobuche. (4,930m) / by this stage the effects of altitude will be kicking in and you can expect colder nights.Day 13 : Lubuche-Gorak Shep(5140m): 2-3 hour
The trail continues climb to Gorak Shep / overnight in Gorak Shep (5,140m).Day 14 : Gorak Shep-Everest Base Camp- Gorakhshep: 7-8 hours
Today we finally make Everest Base Camp (5,364m) walking through rocky and glacial trails / where climbers gather for summiting Everest. Continuing the trek we return to Gorakh Shep for overnight.

Day 15 : Gorakhshep to Pheriche (4240m): 3-4 hours

In the morning hike to the famous viewing point of Kala Pattar (Black Rock) at 5,545m / this small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Pumori and Ama Dablam you can get without climbing / back to Gorakhshep and trek on to Pheriche / the trail descends gradually down /accross small streams / fantastic views / rocky terrain until we reach Pheriche by the river / and overnight.Day 16 : Pheriche-Pangboche, (3930m): 3-4 hours
The trek to pangboche is a fairly gradual descent along the river and passed pine trees before a short climb up to Pangboche (3,930m), which lies on the bank of Imja Khola. overnightDay 17 : Pangboche – Tengboche (3860m): Appros 2 hours
Trek descends to reach Tyangboche (3860 m) in Khumbu. overnightDay 18 : Tengboche- Namche Bazaar (3440m): 5-6 hours
The walk from Tyangboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga / near to Shanasha. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. En route visit traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde. There is an opportunity to visit one of its monasteries / the only monastery that has a Yeti Scalp / from Khumjung village another 30 minutes walk brings us to the village of Khunde /’ visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings us to NamcheDay 19 : Namche Bazaar- Phakding (2610): 3-4 hours
Today the trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continues on an easy natural trail. overnight in Phakding (2,610m).Day 20 : Phakding-Lukla (2840m): approx 3 hours
Finally today the trail takes us back to Lukla (2,810m). On arrival in Lukla / time to relax overnight.Day 21 : Lukla- Kathmandu
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu, you will be received from the airport and taken to your hotel. Rest of the day is free for your shopping and relaxation.

Day 22: Free day relaxation and shopping in Kathmandu

Day 23:Departure day: Transfer to airport / flight to onward destination with beautiful memory back home

Cost Excludes

Meals other than breakfast when staying in Kathmandu

Personal expenses and bar bills

Clients’ travel insurance

Tips and gratuities

Important Note and Optional Activities

Please note: All the trekking itineraries are flexible and can be revised in order to best meet your requirements i.e. your time, interests etc. Please make contact with us if you have any special requirements or interest.